NatGeo’s ‘Queens’ Changes the Game Redefining Rules

NatGeo’s “Queens” crew, all women, met in LA after a screening. They discussed their series, narrated by Angela Bassett, which focuses on powerful female animals. The idea started with a talk between NatGeo exec Janet Van Hissering and Wildstar Films CEO Vanessa Berlowitz. They wanted to explore animal matriarchs, so they formed a female-led team.

Chloe Sarosh, the showrunner, was unsure at first due to being a new mom. But Berlowitz convinced her to join, saying it was time to break the rules. Faith Musembi, the first Black Kenyan woman to direct and produce episodes for a big series, talked about the need for diverse voices in wildlife shows.

Sophie Darlington, who directed the visuals, and Morgan Kibby, who did the music, also highlighted the importance of women in key roles like cinematography. The team wanted “Queens” to be both informative and exciting, not just a typical nature show.

Sarosh explained they made the series dramatic, showing different kinds of female leaders in the animal world. They wanted to break away from the usual nature documentary style.

The team faced doubts about their project, but they were relieved when people liked it. Berlowitz said they’re eager to explore more animal matriarchies.

In short, “Queens” is not your typical nature show. It celebrates female power and challenges old ways of making wildlife documentaries.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Wrap.